Yesterday, Friday 11 April 2003, steam locomotive NM25 moved under its own power for the first time in nearly 38 years.
NM25 spent its entire working life on the Commonwealth Railway's narrow gauge Central Australia Railway—the route of the old Ghan from Port Augusta to Alice Springs—including the remaining section from Port Augusta to Quorn preserved by Pichi Richi Railway. Its restoration project is now nearing completion.
Some teething problems were evident during this first test, however it is expected NM25 will be ready for the re-commissioning event on 26 April.
